Keighley Albion

20-20

Sharlston Rovers

Rovers return with single point

Controversial try

Keighley Albion .. 20Sharlston Rovers .. 20

Pennine Premier League

Half time score 6-18

Sharlston rescued what could be a vital league point as they once again failed to beat Keighley Albion but having raced into an 18-0 lead may see the draw come as a point lost instead of a point won. Rovers opened the scoring when Sean Emblem kept the ball alive down the blindside showing his strength to take several defenders over the line in tow, Chris Hill adding the testing touchline conversion.

Soon after Rovers continued to attack the right flank and were rewarded when the winger spilt a difficult kick from Wandless. Gareth Davies finished in style after Chris Hill was first to react, Hill adding on the extras from a similar position of previous. The visitors found them in a commanding 18-0 lead and only 20 minutes played when James Byrom completed a width of the field passing play and Hill continued his fine run of form with the boot.

Shell shocked Albion soon woke and with some of their only possession of the half crossed for a controversial try with Steve Dolling judged to have kept in play close to touch, Kris Gott converted but that was to be the last score of the half.

Rovers reacted from the restart but were served a cruel blow as when pressuring the Albion line a loose ball was collected by Gott who raced the length of the field, the chasing defence only forcing the centre to touch side where he added insult to injury by converting his own try.

Albion forced within 2 points of the visitors when they elected to kick at goal when awarded a penalty for a high tackle with over 30 minutes remaining. Sharlston looked to increase their buffer but it was Albion who held most of the possession but sterling defence from Damien Thomas, Phil Hodgson and Sean Emblem held the hosts at bay.

With only 2 minutes remaining Rovers had looked to have weathered the storm only to be pushed onto the back foot where Albion took the lead with an Andy Bowness try to draw level and Kris Gott added the goal to take the lead for the first time.

Rovers who looked determined not to leave with nothing through last gasp effort into the kick off and the pressure from the chase put off the receiving player to knock on with his infront team mate collecting which results in a point saving penalty attempt. With Hillís first half kicking confidence dented by an earlier miss, the wingers nerves held out for a late point saving goal.

Rovers Kenmar Camping & Leisure Man of the match accolade went to Rovers hard running forward Damien Thomas who stepped into the front row with Rovers missing several forwards.

Sharlston will continue their quest for Yorkshire cup success this coming weekend (October 4th) as they take on fellow Pennine premier side St Joesphs with a 2pm kick off scheduled.